Welcome to the second installment of our “Is Agile Dead” blog series. After exploring the importance of the agile mindset for organizations to achieve business agility, this post delves deeper into the transformation from merely “doing Agile” to truly “being Agile.” It highlights how the diverse Agile frameworks, specifically Scrum, have evolved to uphold the core intent of the twelve principles outlined in the Agile Manifesto. By embracing this mindset, organizations can foster innovation, collaboration, and adaptability, while ensuring they remain responsive to ever-changing market demands. Join us as we unpack the journey from procedural adherence to an Agile culture shift.
The Agile Manifesto presents twelve core principles that underpin Agile frameworks. We’ll delve into these twelve principles, emphasizing practical implementation and intended outcomes. To maintain InBiteSize standards, on keeping things short and digestible, we will divide the discussion into two parts.
Principle: Our highest priority is to satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery of valuable software.
Intended Outcome: High levels of customer satisfaction and trust.
Tactical Implementation: Implement frequent delivery cycles, sometimes known as sprints, to ensure early and continuous software deliveries. By prioritizing the most valuable features, teams can provide customers with functional increments sooner, gathering valuable feedback to refine and improve the product continuously.
Principle: Welcome changing requirements, even late in development. Agile processes harness change for the customer’s competitive advantage.
Intended Outcome: Increased adaptability and responsiveness to customer needs.
Tactical Implementation: Incorporate change management processes and tools that allow for real-time adjustments. Maintain a flexible backlog that can be updated with new requirements as they arise, ensuring the product evolves to meet the latest customer demands.
Principle: Deliver working software frequently, from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, with a preference to the shorter timescale.
Intended Outcome: Regular delivery of incremental value.
Tactical Implementation: Set up a structured sprint cycle, usually lasting 1-4 weeks, and schedule regular sprint planning and review meetings. This rhythm ensures frequent releases and maintains a clear focus on delivering working software at each iteration.
Principle: Business people and developers must work together daily throughout the project.
Intended Outcome: Enhanced communication and mutual understanding.
Tactical Implementation: Foster daily interactions between business stakeholders and development teams, by using tools like daily stand-ups or collaboration software. This close cooperation ensures that both sides are aligned on priorities and project goals, leading to more effective solutions.
Principle: Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done.
Intended Outcome: High team morale and productivity.
Tactical Implementation: Create an empowering environment where team members feel valued and supported. Invest in professional development opportunities and encourage autonomy in decision-making to foster intrinsic motivation.
Principle: The most efficient and effective method of conveying information to and within a development team is face-to-face conversation.
Intended Outcome: Clear and efficient communication.
Tactical Implementation: Whenever possible, encourage in-person or real-time virtual meetings to discuss project details, as these interactions promote clarity and quick problem resolution. Utilize video conferencing tools to maintain this practice even for remote or distributed teams.
For more insights on working with remote team members, check out this article: Working Successfully in Agile with Remote Team Members.
Transitioning from “doing Agile” to “being Agile” demands a profound commitment to embracing the principles of the Agile Manifesto. By strategically implementing these principles, teams can cultivate a genuine Agile mindset that boosts efficiency, fosters collaboration, and enhances customer satisfaction.
How has your team applied these agile principles into your value delivery framework? Ready to revolutionize your team’s approach to work? Schedule a call with one of our agile delivery consultants and embark on your transformational journey towards accelerating value delivery and growth.
See The Agile Mindset Shift: From Doing Agile to Being Agile Part 2, to explore the six remaining principles of the agile manifesto.